Dr Abhay Firodia, chairman, Force Motors, was conferred with the ‘Order of Merit’ of the Federal Republic of Germany by Dr Leopold Theodor Heldman, Consul General, Mumbai, at an award ceremony organised recently at the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce in Pune. The ‘Order of Merit’ is the highest honour awarded to individuals for their exemplary services to the Federal Republic of Germany for their significant contributions in social, intellectual, economic or political realms.

Speaking on this occasion, Dr Firodia said, “It is a great honour and privilege to be recognised by Federal Republic of Germany with the 'Order of Merit'. I would like to thank all members associated with this award. Force Motors’ relationship with Germany dates back to 1950 when N K Firodia partnered with Vidal & Sohn Tempo Werke Germany to manufacture the HANSEAT three-wheelers. Our association and collaboration has grown steadily over the past five decades with business and technical alliances with global leaders like Daimler, MAN, ZF and other leading companies.”